Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - AdultNHS

Job summary

We would like to offer this opportunity to join our supportive and friendly team, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to cover a maternity leave.

The successful candidate will work with other SLT colleagues in the team to provide a service to adults with dysphagia and communication disorders, resulting from a range of neurological conditions. This will be predominantly in out-patient settings with a focus on rapid response.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is currently in a Band 5/6 role to further develop their knowledge and skills with the support of experienced colleagues. There are opportunities to be involved in videofluoroscopy and FEES.

The team base is in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital although overall sits within the Clinical Support and Screening Services arm of the organisation. The Adult Speech and Language Team work very closely together and with other services. There are great opportunities to learn from each other. Support is offered through formal group and individual supervision alongside informal discussion within the team. The team consists of an ASLT clinical lead, clinicians of varying bands and assistants. Whilst this post is part of an acute and community team, care will be primarily in an out-patient setting. Weekend working may be occasionally required.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work primarily as part of the out-patient team, assessing, diagnosing and providing treatment to people with communication and swallowing disorders.

Attendance at clinical excellence networks and regional support groups are encouraged. There is opportunity to be involved in training other members of the wider MDT, including care home staff.

We offer full professional support including an appraisal system, regular team meetings, and close liaison with experienced therapists. There are regular opportunities for informal supervision and case discussion. Involvement in professional development is actively encouraged.

Job description

• To provide a specialist Speech and Language Service to adults who present with a range of swallowing disorders including those who have complex and/or severe difficulties, predominantly in out-patient settings.
• To provide a flexible and timely service to people with dysphagia.
• To provide dysphagia and communication assessments and therapy.
• To act as an autonomous practitioner providing, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, opinion and evaluation of a range of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.
• To work in close collaboration with the rest of the acute team and the wider Multidisciplinary Team in order to provide an integrated approach to care.
• To participate in research in specialist area as required.
• To provide excellence in clinical care, working to achieve the highest level of patient safety.
• To continuously develop the service and constantly strive to improve.
• To provide appropriate clinical supervision and in-service training for speech and language assistants and students.
• To contribute towards service evaluation and demonstration of efficacy and efficiency
• To be a source of specialist advice for other professions.
• To demonstrate effective communication with colleagues, take part in supervision and appraisal as required.
• To liaise with MDT including GPs, Consultants and other healthcare professionals/other agencies where appropriate.
• See job description document for full details.

About us

Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.